Activities of Daily Life That Can Help the Elder Person Restore Balance

Staying active is so important for the elderly. Daily activities help keep their mind occupied and may help stave off depression, and they also help restore a sense of balance in the lives of older people.

But for some older folks, it’s not so easy to stay active.

Here are some activities of daily life that can help the elder person restore balance.

1. Volunteering

Not all seniors are able to volunteer, but for those who can, it can be a wonderful way for them to feel useful and give back. Habitat for Humanity is a possibility for able-bodied seniors who like to work with their hands. A hospice and the local nursing home may also appreciate volunteers to socialize with and visit the residents.

2. Get a Pet

The psychological and emotional advantages of having a pet are well-documented. Pets do depend on their owners, so the elderly person does have a reason to get up in the morning. A pet requires daily activity. Make sure, though, that there is “stand by” care if needed, and someone to take the pet in the event of the elderly person’s death or incapacitation.

Good pets are small dogs, cats, and even rabbits. Just make sure the pet fits the senior’s personality and skill level.

3. Routines

The importance of routine is often mentioned when it comes to childcare, but it should also be considered for the elderly. The difference lies in where you look to establish the routine.

In elderly people, looking to the past can help. For example, what were the old routines in the older person’s life? Can they be re-established (although with a few necessary changes)? Older people may find security in getting back to some elements of their old way of life and their long-established habits. True, they may require help to do these things where they didn’t before (hence the necessary changes). But a little time spent helping can go a long way toward the elder person’s sense of security and wellbeing.

Some examples include gardening, housekeeping chores, hobbies like woodworking and crafts, and daily self-care like brushing hair or putting on makeup.

4. Time Outdoors

To maintain a sense of balance, spending some time outdoors is essential. Staying in one place day after day can depress anyone’s spirits; elders are no exception, and they are more likely to spend time in one place without help and inspiration.

Try to find some time to get outside when weather permits. It can be as simple as sitting on a porch or as involved as a summer picnic. Regular strolls in the neighborhood and local park are also beneficial.

These outings are not just for a change of scenery; exposure to sunlight means the body generates vitamin D, a crucial vitamin in staving off depression and lifting the mood.

To restore a sense of balance to an elder person’s life, you often need look no further than the common daily activities we all engage in – just with a bit of tweaking to fit the new life stage of aging.